As you would expect most of our clients want their new gardens to be amazing when we have finished, featuring enormous mature plants on every border (for this I blame that Ground Force programme a few years ago, where Alan Titchmarsh would appear with the most exquisite and expensive specimen sized plants).

We normally plant 3 litre sized plants, which are about 30 to 40 cm high on average. Some of these mature within two years to 1.2 or even 2 metres high. But increasingly we are asked by clients to include a good number of plants already at these mature sizes.

So here are some ideas of planting to create instant effect.

Five of our favourite plants that grow or flower fast:

1. Persicaria bistorta ‘Superba’

Hardy perennials like Persicaria bistorta ‘Superba’ are perfect if you have a large space and a small budget. It will grow to about 2ft and in late spring and early summer, producing lots of delicate, pink flower spikes.

2. Clematis armandii

Clematis armandii is a great way to add vertical colour to your garden. It grows quickly to disguise unsightly walls and fences, perfect for training over an arch or obelisk.

3. Hibiscus syriacus ‘Hamabo’

Hibiscus syriacus ‘Hamabo’ is a medium-sized, deciduous shrub with strongly lobed leaves and blush-pink flowers 12cm in width, with a conspicuous red blotch at the base of each petal. It may look like a tender tropical plant, but it’s hardy enough to withstand winters in the UK.

4. Miscanthus Sinensis ‘Malepartus’

Miscanthus sinensis ‘Malepartus’ (Chinese silver grass) is beautiful, dramatic and is unbothered by pests or diseases. Every year, you know you’re going to get 6-8ft of pure magic. If you don’t have time to be in the garden every weekend, these are the characteristics you need. It’s also one of those rare plants that looks good in summer, autumn and winter.

5. Perovskia ‘Blue Spire’

If you have a dry patch of soil in a sunny spot try the Russian sage, Perovskia ‘Blue Spire’. It grows to about 4ft high and produces lots of lavender-blue flowers from midsummer to autumn. It loses its felt-like grey leaves in winter, but the silvery white stems still look good. Prune it back hard in spring.